Hepatic expression of PPARα, a molecular target of fibrates, is regulated during inflammation in a gender-specific manner

Abstract

Dyslipidemia, inflammation and gender are major risk factors in cardiovascular disease. Here we show that hepatic expression of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), a nuclear receptor that regulates lipid metabolism and inflammation, is regulated in a gender-specific manner during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation. Immediately following LPS-induced systemic inflammation, hepatic PPARα mRNA level decreased dramatically in mice. It was restored to baseline within 24 h in females but remained below baseline for >72 h in male mice. In gonadectomized mice of both sexes, PPARα mRNA level was restored to baseline within 48 h after the initial decrease. © 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. on behalf of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies.